Post by Petey on Dec 30, 2003 11:31:50 GMT -5
Got to fish the DH on Sunday after doing Christmas with the family for four days. Actually I went up to check on some smaller streams that feed the Tellico and was pleased to see fish moving around, the only problem was they were all skittish and would run at the slightest movement.
One of the coolest moments happened for me while fishing this small stream. I had gotten a fly stuck in a tree. I went to work it out of the tree before walking over and pulling it free. At the exact moment the fly came free of the tree a hawk or some kind of falcon swooped down to get a closer look at what was making the tree move in such a weird way. Maybe he thought he was going to get dinner. The bird landed about 10-15 feet away from where I was standing on a branch above. I could see every detail. It had a hooked beak, kind of a grayish blue feathered back and top wings, with a fade to white underbelly and white under feathers. It was absolutely beautiful. It had close to a 3-4 ft. wingspan and big talons. I stayed still and didn't move for about a minute or two. It studied the landscape to see where it food had ran off to. I wanted a picture so bad, but was afraid to move. I then decided to go for it. I maybe moved my hand a couple of inches very slowly, but that is all it took. He was gone in a flash. Just as quick as he appeared the was gone. I had goose bumps all over. I couldn't believe a bird of that size had landed so close and allowed me to check him out for the little while I did.
Later in the afternoon, my friend and I made our way for Tellico DH. We ended up fishing here for nearly and hour. Not long enough to make any real judgement on the fishing conditions, but I was able to land one rainbow that went about 9" and hand one that was between 16-20" chase another streamer I was throwing. He followed it several time then took off when he got within 20 feet of me. I never saw him again. He toyed with me for a good 2 minutes leading up to him taking off and knowing better. Either that or the kayakers coming down the river didn't help my cause. Either way, I could see spending more time on the DH and fishing for some of the left over trout! I just didn't give it much of a shot. The wading there can be difficult and the pressure was medium. There was a car about every other 3rd pull off. Water temp was measured at 38 degrees....now that is cold.
One of the coolest moments happened for me while fishing this small stream. I had gotten a fly stuck in a tree. I went to work it out of the tree before walking over and pulling it free. At the exact moment the fly came free of the tree a hawk or some kind of falcon swooped down to get a closer look at what was making the tree move in such a weird way. Maybe he thought he was going to get dinner. The bird landed about 10-15 feet away from where I was standing on a branch above. I could see every detail. It had a hooked beak, kind of a grayish blue feathered back and top wings, with a fade to white underbelly and white under feathers. It was absolutely beautiful. It had close to a 3-4 ft. wingspan and big talons. I stayed still and didn't move for about a minute or two. It studied the landscape to see where it food had ran off to. I wanted a picture so bad, but was afraid to move. I then decided to go for it. I maybe moved my hand a couple of inches very slowly, but that is all it took. He was gone in a flash. Just as quick as he appeared the was gone. I had goose bumps all over. I couldn't believe a bird of that size had landed so close and allowed me to check him out for the little while I did.
Later in the afternoon, my friend and I made our way for Tellico DH. We ended up fishing here for nearly and hour. Not long enough to make any real judgement on the fishing conditions, but I was able to land one rainbow that went about 9" and hand one that was between 16-20" chase another streamer I was throwing. He followed it several time then took off when he got within 20 feet of me. I never saw him again. He toyed with me for a good 2 minutes leading up to him taking off and knowing better. Either that or the kayakers coming down the river didn't help my cause. Either way, I could see spending more time on the DH and fishing for some of the left over trout! I just didn't give it much of a shot. The wading there can be difficult and the pressure was medium. There was a car about every other 3rd pull off. Water temp was measured at 38 degrees....now that is cold.